Michael and Company are here to help with check engine light diagnostics and repair.
We utilize a check engine light code scan so we can immediately move on to the next step, which is fixing the issue.
Check engine light trouble
If you’re driving on the road and you see a yellow light come on your dash – that’s a sign that you need to check your engine light.
You may not be sure what’s causing it as it could mean many things. But one thing’s for sure when this comes on, it means your car needs to get checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Ignore the check engine light at your own risk
If you ignore the warning light, your car could be on the way to incurring greater damage. You could be looking at more expensive repairs than what it would have cost you to have your check engine light taken care of.
What does the check engine light stand for?
Your check engine light comes on when it senses something wrong with your vehicle. It is a sort of onboard diagnostics system for your car.
When it detects a problem that it cannot correct, a computer turns on a yellow warning indicator that’s called: check, check engine, service engine soon, or check powertrain. It could also be a picture of an engine with the word “check”.
The computer stores what’s called a “trouble code.” This is the identifier for the source of the problem.
Michael and Company, with our special electronic scanner, can diagnose what is wrong with your car.
The check engine light comes on for any of the following:
- oxygen sensors
- crankshaft or camshaft position sensors
- thermostat
- a mass air flow sensor
- engine misfires
- engine vacuum leaks
While you can purchase a code reader yourself, it will only point you to what’s wrong with your car. You would still need to go to an auto service center for a full repair by a professional.
My check engine light is on! What do I do?
If you see your check engine light coming on, what do you do? First off, determine if it’s blinking or just stays on as red, yellow or orange.
A blinking light means your car needs immediate attention and that you have to have it checked by a mechanic. If you have a late model car, it could mean an engine misfire, which occurs when unburned fuel is reaching the exhaust system. Do not delay auto servicing if you have this unless you want your car to undergo greater damage that merits more expensive repair.
OK… back to what you have to do. If your check engine light blinks, reduce power and have it checked as soon as possible. In some cases, the car might reduce power by itself just to limit possible damage.
A steady light is indicative of a problem. Thankfully, one that is not an emergency. Nevertheless, you’d still need to have it checked in an auto service center.
To schedule an appointment with Michale and Company, you may contact us at 408-286-2988.
Modern cars compensate after detecting an issue, which is why you might not notice problems with your car’s performance. But underneath, your car’s fuel mileage could be suffering as it emits dangerous levels of pollutants.
Here are some helpful tips for if your check engine light comes on:
Find out what the problem could be. Check your dashboard gauges and lights. Is it low pressure or overheating?
If either rings true, you should immediately find a place where you can pull over to the side of the road and shut the engine. If you see red, it means you should stop right now.
It could also be a loose gas cap. Some cars do have an indicator that signals when the car has a loose gas cap. So check your gas cap and tighten it if needed.
Reduce your speed and load to reduce the demands on your engine. Are you towing a trailer? It could be that your car has incurred damage. Have it checked ASAP.
Modern cars such as Fiat Chryslers, Fords, Jaguars, and Volvos have a built-in diagnostic systems such as an integrated remote diagnostic capabilitie. It means your car is able to reportt trouble codes and schedule a service appointment.
Michael and Company Check Engine Light Diagnostics and Repair
If your check engine light is blinking or staying on, give us a call at 408-286-2988. We have the right tools to accurately diagnose what is wrong with your car.
Our skilled technicians will perform various tests specific to each trouble code we scan to find the exact cause of the problem.
If you have questions regarding any of our auto repair services, please give us a call or stop by today.
Michael & Company, Inc
Automotive Repair and Maintenance
408-286-2988
380 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126